Abstract:
A climate-control system includes a variable-capacity compressor unit and a control module. The variable-capacity compressor unit is operable in a first capacity mode and in a second capacity mode that is higher than the first capacity mode. The control module may be configured to switch the variable-capacity compressor unit between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode based on a demand signal, a current outdoor air temperature, an outdoor-air-temperature slope, and a previous runtime of the variable-capacity compressor unit in the second capacity mode.
Abstract:
A charge-verification tool is used with a charge-verification system to diagnose and remedy a charge condition. The charge-verification tool includes a device having a controller configured to communicate with a system controller in the charge-verification system and a display configured to display measurements and instructions to an installer. The device is a user interface and is configured to provide communication between the installer and the system controller in the charge-verification system. The controller prompts the installer to input charge-verification system information including refrigeration line length and diameter. The controller receives a subcooling temperature calculated by the system controller and determines whether the subcooling temperature is between a threshold and a target subcooling temperature. The controller displays an amount of charge to add to the charge-verification system based on whether the subcooling temperature is between the threshold and the target subcooling temperature.
Abstract:
An indoor air quality (IAQ) system for a building includes a relative humidity (RH) sensor. The RH sensor is configured to measure a RH of the air within the building. At least one of a thermostat and an IAQ control module is configured to control humidification of the building based on the RH measured by the RH sensor.
Abstract:
A diagnostic system for a compressor is provided. The compressor includes a compression mechanism and a motor. The diagnostic system includes processing circuitry and memory and may be operable to differentiate between a low-side fault and a high-side fault by monitoring a rate of current rise drawn by the motor for a first predetermined time period following compressor startup. The diagnostic system may be operable to predict a severity level of a compressor condition based on a fault history stored in the memory.
Abstract:
A system and method for flooded start control of a compressor having a crankcase heater are provided. A control module receives sensed data from a sensor, determines a current rate of liquid migration into the compressor, and compares the current rate with first and second predetermined thresholds. The control module operates the compressor in a flooded-start control mode, including operating the compressor according to at least one cycle with a first time period when the compressor is on and a second time period when the compressor is off. The control module operates the compressor in the flooded start control mode when the current rate is greater than the first predetermined threshold, activates the crankcase heater when the current rate is between the first and second predetermined thresholds, and operates the compressor without the flooded start control mode when the current rate is less than the second predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
A method is provided that includes installing a compressor in a refrigeration system and determining a condenser temperature difference using processing circuitry. The method also includes checking for an overcharge condition or a condenser fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is greater than a high condenser temperature difference value. The method also includes determining a discharge superheat temperature using the processing circuitry and checking for the overcharge condition or the condenser fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is less than the high condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat temperature is less than a low discharge superheat temperature value. The method also includes checking for an undercharge condition or an evaporator fan blockage condition when the condenser temperature difference is less than the high condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat temperature is greater than a high discharge superheat temperature value. The method also includes completing installation of the compressor when the condenser temperature difference is between the high condenser temperature difference value and the low condenser temperature difference value and the discharge superheat is between the high discharge superheat temperature value and the low discharge superheat temperature value.
Abstract:
A system is provided and may include a refrigeration circuit having a condenser, a first sensor producing a signal indicative of a detected condenser temperature of the condenser, and processing circuitry in communication with the first sensor. The processing circuitry may determine a derived condenser temperature independent from information received from the first sensor and may compare the derived condenser temperature to the detected condenser temperature to determine a charge level of the refrigeration circuit.
Abstract:
A system and method for a compressor includes a compressor connected to a condenser, a discharge line temperature sensor that outputs a discharge line temperature signal corresponding to a discharge line temperature of refrigerant leaving the compressor, and a control module connected to the discharge line temperature sensor. The control module determines a saturated condenser temperature, calculates a discharge superheat temperature based on the saturated condenser temperature and the discharge line temperature, and monitors a flood back condition of the compressor by comparing the discharge superheat temperature with a predetermined threshold. The control module increases a speed of the compressor or decreases an opening of an expansion valve associated with the compressor when the discharge superheat temperature is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a voltage sensor, a current sensor, and a controller. The voltage sensor measures voltage values of alternating current power supplied to a capacitor. The capacitor is electrically coupled to a compressor. The current sensor measures current values of the alternating current power. The controller is configured to receive the voltage values and the current values. The controller is configured to determine a first power factor value based on at least one of the voltage values and at least one of the current values. The controller is configured to selectively detect a first capacitor fault in response to concurrent determination that (i) the first power factor value is less than a first power factor threshold and (ii) a first current value of the current values is greater than a first current threshold. The first capacitor fault indicates that a capacitance of the capacitor has degraded.
Abstract:
A system and method for calculating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. An evaporator sensor outputs an evaporator signal corresponding to at least one of an evaporator pressure and an evaporator temperature. An inverter drive modulates electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. A control module is connected to the inverter drive that receives the evaporator signal. The control module monitors electrical power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive and calculates at least one of a condenser temperature and a condenser pressure based on the evaporator signal, the electrical power data, and the compressor speed data.